HVAC BLOGS

No one likes the thought of throwing thousands of dollars towards air conditioning replacement (I do, but I'm an air-conditioning contractor). In the last 6 six years working residential HVAC service I've come to the realization that Houston Tx. homeowners Do Not have enough information on why to replace, how to replace and different manufacturer options. It is necessary to provide our customers with valuable knowledge to help aid in our customers HVAC buying decisions. Good Luck!

Why Replace HVAC equipment? Whether it's a growing concern for the environment or a quest to get your electricity bill the lowest on the block. Eventually, equipment will need to be replaced. The ideal time to replace shouldn't be dependent on the weather, but rather when the cost of repair no longer is the best option or when system becomes a safety concern. Manufacturers across the board now offer 10 year warranties when installed by licensed HVAC contractors. The minimum SEER rating that can be sold today is 14 SEER, the most efficient rating we have worked up to is 27 SEER. These efficiency ratings correlate to the price of equipment (lower SEER, lower price of installation).​How to ReplaceThe existing equipment in your attic or closet could be held together with a shoe string for all I know. Starting your New HVAC System on the right foot is critical for its longevity. This requires all transition connections to line up correctly, have three screws, tape and/or air sealant. Drain lines desire a slight tilt to remove the condensed water from the space. Duct work needs to be supported every additional three feet from plenums. System should be tested in BOTH heat and cooling mode prior to signature for work completion. Knowing this information will help ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Our fave Manufacturers as of now

As much as I like to say there is a raining champ among these Manufacturers, I can't. I've experienced mechanical failure with all of them, BUT the Trane 16 seer system hasn't let me down yet! They're a little on the luxury side with enough real world to get parts quickly if needed. Love it, and so do the customers I've installed them for!

I've chosen as my second go to, Lennox a more cost effective solution while still maintaining the current technology. I really appreciate the approach they took on the Lennox Harmony III zone-board. When dialed in correctly, this zone system can achieve 35% better efficiency annually. It pays for itself (they had a damper motor problem, but switched designs...New motors a stronger!). Lennox is also very good at having parts available for replacement quickly.

I hope you get what you pay for and that you found this article insightful. For more blogs on related topics please visit priorityacpro.com/blogsFor more about us please visit priorityacpro.comThank you Trane and Lennox for continuing to push us in a great direction!​Follow us on your Favorite social media!

​If you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioner or heating system you should hire a professional HVAC technician. Your air conditioning system is expensive and not something you want to make a mistake trying to fix. Once you know you need a professional the next question you’ll have is where you can find the residential HVAC contractors near me, and we can help you.

In this post, we’re going to look at why you should hire a residential HVAC company and how to answer the question “how can I find a residential HVAC contractor near me?”

While DIY projects are fun and often a great way to save money, having your heating and cooling system maintained and checked regularly can cost you less in the long run than if you try to do-it-yourself. This is why you should seek an answer to the question of how to find a residential HVAC contractor near me. However, first, let’s take a closer look at why you need a professional.

Why You Should Hire a Residential HVAC Contractor Near Me Instead of Fixing it Myself

• Safety is always your first concern. Protecting your family and your home is important. If you can’t live without them, now is the time to think about finding a residential HVAC contractor near me to repair your system. Think about the serious risks such as leak gas and carbon monoxide poisoning. Contractors are trained to look for these threats and take care of them before anyone gets hurt.

• Do-it-yourself projects end up costlier. DIY projects begin with good intentions, but, after the prepping, buying of supplies and tools along with the time spent working on it, paying a professional is cheaper. Not to mention potential injury during the project before you look for a residential HVAC contractor near me.

• Time is of the essence. Doing a Google search for a residential HVAC contractor near me along with how quickly a professional can make the repairs is much quicker than doing it yourself. This is especially important when your family suffers waiting for the HVAC system to get fixed during winter because you didn’t hire a professional

• Searching for a residential HVAC contractor near me can save you money on preventive maintenance. It could be that there’s something seriously wrong with your system that only a professional can see.

If you’re worried about how much it will cost to find a residential HVAC contractor near me, you shouldn’t be. Professional services are worth the money because it ensures your safety, guarantees your system will be fixed and kept, so it runs well all year. You can set aside money to pay for professional services for your peace of mind. Hiring an expert is never a bad idea.

If you live in the Houston TX area, we can help you answer the question “where can I find a residential HVAC contractor near me?” Priority AC LLC is a full service professional residential and commercial HVAC company. To find out more information about our services or to book an appointment you can visit our website.

​If you are running a commercial business, you have enough going on without worrying about your HVAC system and ensuring that it is in good working order. Nothing can be worse on a hot summer day than having your commercial AC system fail because it can cause great discomfort for your employees and may force you to shut down operations until it is fixed. This is where having a commercial HVAC company available to call 24/7 is great for your business, but how do you find one that you can trust? The following are just a few tips to guide you in finding trustworthy commercial HVAC companies.

Ask About the Services They Offer

When you are looking at commercial HVAC companies to find one you can trust, the first thing you should be looking into is what services they offer. You may be looking for installation of an HVAC system, or you may be looking to repair an existing one, but many HVAC companies offer even more services than that. The ideal commercial HVAC company for your business should also offer professional service through highly trained technicians that are capable of replacing old HVAC systems, and doing maintenance on your current system before a failure occurs. Having a maintenance schedule with an HVAC company allows you to stay ahead of potential issues, and keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency for as long as possible, saving you money over time. As well, 24/7 emergency service is a great feature of a trusted HVAC company, as that allows the potential for repairs to occur immediately, on weekends or overnight.

Check for Up-to-Date Licensing and Training

Trusted commercial HVAC companies must have all their technicians up-to-date on their training and licenses, and so must the company itself. You can request copies of HVAC companies technical and operating certifications before you choose to work with them, but you should also request insurance certifications as well to ensure they have the proper insurance coverage to work on your HVAC system. You should verify the proof of their licensing with the city or state. You can also ask how much training the HVAC company’s technicians receive; they should be receiving yearly training to keep up with all the current laws and technologies.

Ask for References and Referrals

Asking for references from commercial HVAC companies is important so you can get first-hand information about how well they operate. Good customer reviews and long-standing customers are a great sign that an HVAC company is trustworthy enough for your business. If you are looking for referrals, you can ask other business owners in the area whom they use for their HVAC needs.

Inquire About Their Pricing

Before you choose from the commercial HVAC companies in your area, ask them about their pricing. A trustworthy HVAC company is going to have affordable prices for their services, but should also have payment schedules because sometimes repairs or new HVAC systems can be pricey, and you may need to make payments over time. If they offer payment plans, or to apply for financing through an HVAC company, always read the fine print, so you know exactly how much you will be paying.

Need a Trusted Commercial HVAC Company in the Houston Area?

Are you looking for a trusted commercial HVAC company with trained, certified professional technicians, with 24/7 emergency service and maintenance plans available in the Houston area? Contact Priority A/C today at (713) 585-6659 or visit the website to schedule online.

​The summer weather is on its way, and that means it’s time to get those AC units ready for another season. Keeping up-to-date on preventative maintenance is the best strategy for minimizing those emergency AC repair costs; however, keeping up with your scheduled maintenance can’t always help you prevent the unpredictable. Sometimes, emergencies happen, and when they do, it’s important to know how to go about handling the situation in the most cost-effective way. Here are a few ways you can tell that you are getting the most for your money out of an emergency AC repair in Houston.

1) Compare prices

It’s an emergency repair, which means you don’t have quite as much time to spend looking for the perfect company to perform your emergency AC repair in Houston. You don’t, however, have to let that factor make you feel pressured into choosing the first emergency AC repair company you come across. You can still afford to spend a little time comparing the different companies to see who offers the best emergency repair rates. An emergency repair will typically cost more than the rates for a routine service, but that doesn’t mean it needs to break the bank. There will still be a reasonable range of prices for those services to meet, and by doing a little price comparison research, you should be able to determine what that ballpark is and which companies are charging way too much.

2) Do your research

Remember, though, that it isn’t all about the price. You should also compare the services the company offers alongside the price. A company that looks a little more expensive might include more of the repair fee in the estimate, or they may offer more comprehensive services. These are important to take into consideration when you are budgeting out your emergency AC repair in Houston.

3) Don’t forget to look into the credentials

One company that offers emergency AC repair in Houston may charge more than another because it has better credentials and certifications, too. These are important to verify. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has specific requirements for AC technicians that need to be kept up-to-date through continuing education, including NATE certifications and EPA certifications. A company may be offering you a lower rate if its certifications aren’t up-to-date or if it doesn’t have as many certifications as its competitors—and it’s worth paying a bit more for peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was taken care of by certified professionals.

4) The extras are everything when it comes to emergency AC repair

It isn’t fun sitting around in the sweltering heat, and that means you don’t just want a company that will perform an emergency AC repair in Houston; you want a company that is available 24/7 to offer you prompt and effective services. Look for a company that provides around-the-clock emergency repair services, and look for one that is easy to get in touch with and responsive to your questions and concerns.

If you are looking for the best in emergency AC repair in Houston, call us today at Priority AC LLC for a consultation.

When it comes to heat, there are few places in the US like Texas. Blessed with hot weather, it can be wonderful and, at times, oppressive. That is why this part of the world has and loves air conditioning. It can make those hot days much more comfortable. However, without it, you can end up in a dangerous heat. If you have AC, then there is a chance you will need 24 hour AC repair in Houston. Here are a few signs that you will need professional AC help.

1. It’s Hot

The first indicator that you probably need 24-hour AC repair in Houston is that it will be unbearably hot. No matter how much you crank up the AC, you find no relief. In these instances, it means there is something wrong. It could be as simple as the actual unit not getting power but, more likely, there is a problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.

2. It’s Humid

While most people associate air conditioning with cooler temperatures, they are also responsible for regulating humidity levels. Humidity, after all, can make people feel warmer. If you are noticing that your air-conditioned spaces are quite humid even when the AC unit is running, it may be time to call for 24-hour AC repair in Houston. Without proper humidity control, your unit will work overtime and rack up quite the power bill at the same time.

3. It’s Making Strange Sounds

If your air conditioning unit is making strange sounds, it is probably time to call 24-hour AC repair in Houston. Time may be of the essence since these units are intricate and, at times, delicate. Without an immediate repair, your unit could end up even more damaged, costing you time and money. If you hear strange sounds from an AC unit, shut it off immediately and call a reputable AC repair service like Priority AC.

4. Something Smells

AC units can emit two kinds of smells that warrant immediate attention. The first is the smell of burning, which means that your AC unit may be grinding gears or having other mechanical/electrical issues. The second is a musty smell that indicates mold. In both instances, you should immediately call 24-hour AC repair in Houston.

5. There’s a Leak

While added humidity can be an indicator that you need AC repair services, water or leaking around the unit may mean that you need 24-hour AC repair in Houston. Leaking can cause major water damage and issues with other equipment, which is why immediate repairs may be necessary. Just like with strange sounds, leaking AC units should be shut off immediately, and the experts called in.

If you need air conditioner repair, especially 24-hour AC repair in Houston, then be sure to call Priority AC LLC. Our technicians have the skills and experience necessary to get your AC up and running again, and ensure that your business or home is back to comfortable temperatures.

All products listed have been installed by PriorityAC LLC for our customers, all thermostat manufacturers have room for mechanical failure at anytime. This being said, ease-of-use, capabilities and price should be the three categories any home owner should base their purchases on. The following article is our recommendations for The Top 5 Thermostats on the market today.

Before we jump right in to the pictures and features of the different thermostats, we need to touch gently on the subject of electrical theory and how a thermostat functions. The "t-stats" we will be talking about are 24 volt ac, the thermostat can communicate with the furnace circuit board and outdoor unit in two ways simply put, with batteries or without. Ideally, with-out batteries is better (because batteries weaken over time and create voltage drop which weakens thermostat internals.), 8 wire should be ran for any new model thermostat or change out, but it's not always cost effective. Older homes' thermostats used to be ran with four or five wire which isn't enough wires to upgrade your system to the future, batteries are needed in most older homes.

#5 Honeywell 5000

This is an awesome t-stat for the price! For single stage heat and cooling equipment ONLY, this thermostat functions great with or with-out batteries. Very basic design, low price point, easy to use. I bought one from Home Depot one time though, and it was broken out of the box. I never had that happen with any I've purchased from HVAC supply houses. This is the thermostat made for the customer who wasn't ready to buy another thermostat! We have this on our trucks.

#4 Honeywell 6000

Another great lower priced t-stat, the Honeywell 6000 is the base model for 2 stage equipment and also has built in programming you can edit based on your habits (most customers don't actually like the programming feature though). This thermostat can also be ran with or with-out batteries based on how many wires are there. I have experienced a call back or two due to programming the thermostat confusion, but if you leave that feature alone, it is a great thermostat to optimize your 2 stage equipment.

#3 Nest

Here's one I bet you're excited to see on the list. I wanted to love this thermostat, but the price is high and we have had multiple service calls because of software issues with the Nest. They don't operate well on multiple zone systems (would be super cool if they did). This thermostat with todays technology work best in a single system home or rental property. I placed the Nest as number three on our list because I can see this thermostat improving greatly in the coming years and have been watching their companies approach on home automation. Needs 6 to 8 wires.

#2 Honeywell 8000

Now this is my favorite thermostat personally. This 2 stage thermostat is touch screen with hundreds of settings, great for commercial offices, custom homes, the tech savvy homeowner. The feature I enjoy most is Relative Humidity display. Relative Humidity- the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. This thermostat also features no battery or with-battery operation.

#1 Honeywell 9000 Wi-Fi

This is the thermostat for the elite among us. The colored screen is awesome and can have a wall paper uploaded to it! It can be operated from anywhere. Relative Humidity display option. The price is steep, but it's the top of the line!

Honeywell 9000

Honeywell 6000

Nest Thermostat

I hope you found this article insightful and it aids in you purchasing the thermostat you want. For more blogs on helpful air conditioning knowledge please visit www.priorityacpro.com/blogs​Follow us on your favorite social media!

Many things contribute to a positive and comfortable work environment. Workplace culture, management styles, and overall morale are significant contributors, but for the more literal-minded there is something that makes offices and commercial spaces comfortable: your HVAC system.

Responsible for temperature and moisture regulation, HVAC systems make spaces more comfortable. They are also massive, complicated machines that need the attention of commercial HVAC companies. In fact, these companies can help your commercial property have the best, most efficient HVAC system possible with a few choice services. Here are a few of the services that your local HVAC system can provide.

1. Preventative Maintenance

The absolute most cost-effective way to repair your HVAC system is to hire commercial HVAC companies to perform routine preventative maintenance. Since your system is so large and complicated, when they break, they break in extremely dramatic fashions, at least most often on paper. Most major repairs on HVAC systems are actually a lot of smaller problems that turn into much larger problems, sometimes over the span of years due to neglect. A broken bolt here moves something there, which wears unusually on another part and, before you know it, the system is in need of these costly repairs.

One of the many benefits of hiring commercial HVAC companies for preventative maintenance is that they can run regular tests to ensure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently. So beyond simply repairing little problems, they can actually ensure that the whole system is working at its maximum efficiency. So while there may be some small issues that can be fixed, preventative maintenance is about making sure everything runs efficiently, which saves you on your monthly operating costs.

2. HVAC Repairs

Sometimes HVAC systems break down. In these instances, you need professional commercial HVAC companies to come in and make the necessary repairs and replacements. Unfortunately, many of these repairs can be costly and preventable with regular maintenance, but some simply happen. These kinds of repairs require trained and ticketed professionals, not simply handymen, because of the danger and complexity of commercial HVAC systems. Without the right team, your repairs could be short-lived or even dangerous.

3. Filter Changes

While changing your home furnace filter may be an easy task, the same is not true for commercial HVAC systems. For those, you will likely need a professional to recommend and replace your filters throughout the system. Professional commercial HVAC companies like Priority AC have convenient digital scheduling to help you make filter replacement an easy and regular service. That way, your system will always be clean and efficient.

Commercial HVAC companies around the world offer services to companies and businesses that help them stay comfortable keep their costs low and offer great experiences. Without the help of a professional team, your own business could suffer. If you are looking for a professional and experienced HVAC company for your commercial operation, be sure to contact Priority AC. We offer a number of services and solutions that will keep your company’s HVAC running smoothly.

A broken AC is no laughing matter—especially in Houston, where summer temperatures average 84.6 °F and can easily peak 95.0 °F. In fact, in a typical year, temperatures in Houston reach or exceed 90 °F 102.4 days per year (with relative humidity ranging between 60-90 percent), and the highest recorded temperature came in at 107 °F on June 29 of 2013. With temperatures and humidity like that, trying to get by with a malfunctioning AC would be unpleasant—and potentially dangerous to your health. There is, however, more to consider than merely phoning the first listing for emergency AC repair in Houston.

Here are the things you should be looking for when choosing emergency AC repair in Houston:

1) Credentials and Qualifications

Don’t be afraid to vet the repair service you look into. If you want the best results, then you don’t just want Odd-Job Jack from around the corner to take a look at your AC. Check the website of the company you are considering for your emergency AC repair in Houston to see if they list any qualifications, certifications, or experience. For instance, in Texas, your technician should be NATE certified and should be keeping up-to-date with education standard set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. If the information isn’t on their website, feel free to call and ask. It’s important to know the service you are getting is going to be professional and effective.

2) Testimonials

You may also be able to find some online testimonials from individuals who’ve had the company to do their repairs. If they have good ratings and good feedback, then they are a good option for emergency AC repair in Houston.

3) Variety of Services

Ultimately, you want a repair service that doesn’t just show up in an emergency. The best emergency AC repair in Houston happens before the emergency even happens, right? Find a repair service that offers a variety of services, like HVAC services and preventative maintenance in addition to residential changeouts. This way, you won’t have to wait until something goes noticeably wrong before your AC gets fixed.

4) Communication and Access

The most important feature always comes down to communication. It should be easy to get in touch with the company that offers the best emergency AC repair in Houston, and they should be available 24/7. Your emergency isn’t guaranteed to happen during regular work hours, so make sure the company you choose is available right when you need them. Look for features like online booking, which allows you to record your problem in detail without having to wait on hold trying to get through to a technician.

5) Price

Choosing the best emergency AC repair in Houston is not synonymous with paying the highest price. A good company will still offer competitive pricing.

Of course, following these five steps for finding the best emergency AC repair in Houston is a lot less stressful before your home or business has begun to overheat. Make sure you find the best company before the crisis hits, so you know exactly whom to call when the time comes.

Indoor air quality in Houston Texas has been on the decline due to new building materials and chemical compounds. Viruses and airborne illnesses travel back home from the days tasks and wait patiently to infiltrate your families immune system. These two reason are why we love the REME HALO®.

If your not sold yet, the REME HALO®'s other cool feature to point out is that the UV light coagulates the lighter particles that float around your ears, nose and throat to a heavier particulate that will "float" lower in the atmosphere. The REME HALO® just like any light, must be replaced unfortunately, but RGF states the bulb will last 2-3 years which is great compared to other similar products. Have a certified HVAC technician replace the bulb. If you found this article helpful, please do us a favor and share with someone you know.

​Like a lot of appliances in your home, they are never really on your mind until they fail. When it comes to your air conditioning system, and HVAC in general, if it fails you may think about trying to fix it yourself, or hiring your handyman friend to fix it, but is that going to be the best plan? When you look at an AC you may think it’s simple to fix, but there are a lot of different AC systems out there with their own quirks, and you want to get your AC repaired as soon as possible in the sweltering summer heat. To get speedy and reliable repairs for your AC to hire a professional air conditioning service in Houston, here’s why:

Knowledgeable about HVAC Systems​The most obvious reason to hire an air conditioning service in Houston for your repair and maintenance needs is getting a professional that is trained and knowledgeable in servicing your AC. With training and certifications in AC and HVAC systems, you will get someone that can diagnose and repair your AC system, and if the problem isn’t with your AC itself, they will also be able to pinpoint what part of your HVAC system is actually failing.

Understands Your AC

Understanding how your specific AC model works may be out of your scope of knowledge, or the knowledge of a handyman you may hire. Hiring an air conditioning service in Houston will give you access to a professional that can handle most models of AC units on the market, and they’ll have the specific knowledge to handle your AC unit. You’ll rarely have repeated failures of components in your AC unit if they are repaired and maintained by a trained professional.

Quick Servicing

Like most people you may be too busy to learn about your AC or to deal with an unlicensed handyman figuring it out, taking up valuable time you need to spend elsewhere. Getting air conditioning service in Houston is going to be your best choice for timely servicing of your AC system, and you can be sure that it’ll get repaired correctly. Don’t leave your family without the cooling capabilities of your AC system during the hot summer months, and choose to use professionals, either to repair or as preventative maintenance before the summer season.

Insurance and Safety

When trying to repair a major appliance or system in your home, there are always going to be safety concerns, as things can go wrong. When you hire a professional air conditioning service in Houston, always ask if they have the proper insurance to be doing the work necessary for your air conditioning unit. You don’t have to be liable for the bill if the person working on your AC is injured on the job. In the same light, hiring a professional to do your AC repair ensures you have someone trained and knowledgeable enough to be able to repair safely.

Air Conditioning Service in Houston

If you have an AC system in Houston that needs repair, or you want to do preventative maintenance on your unit, visit the Priority A/C website and schedule online or call today to have a trained professional inspect your system.